🦈SEDAR 101 Data Workshop for Sharks Cancelled by NOAA
The SEDAR 101 assessment process of HMS sandbar sharks will consist of a Data Workshop, an Assessment Workshop and a Center for Independent Experts (CIE) Desk Review. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Learn More🦈Cancellation of SEDAR 101 Pre-Data Workshop Webinar for Sharks
The SEDAR 101 assessment process of HMS sandbar sharks will consist of a Data Workshop, an Assessment Workshop and a Center for Independent Experts (CIE) Desk Review. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Learn More🎣2025-2026 Recreational Fishing Regulations for Black Sea Bass
NMFS announces that the recreational fishing season for black sea bass in South Atlantic Federal waters will extend throughout the 2025-2026 recreational fishing year. Announcing the length of the recreational fishing season for black sea bass is one of the accountability measures (AMs) for the recreational sector. This announcement allows recreational fishers to maximize their opportunity to harvest the recreational annual catch limit (ACL) for black sea bass while NMFS manages harvest to protect the black sea bass resource.
Learn More🌊New Regulations for Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is reviewing, for consistency with the Administration's policies and Executive Orders, the final rule that published on January 16, 2025 to designate Papah[amacr]naumoku[amacr]kea National Marine Sanctuary (PNMS). The designation and regulations for PNMS became effective on March 3, 2025.
Learn More🐚Exempted Fishing Permits
The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Greater Atlantic Region, NMFS, has made a preliminary determination that an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) application contains all of the required information and warrants further consideration. The EFP would allow federally permitted fishing vessels to fish outside fishery regulations in support of exempted fishing activities proposed by the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen's Alliance. Regulations under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act require publication of this notification to provide interested parties the opportunity to comment on applications for proposed EFPs.
Learn More🦞Notice on Exempted Fishing Permit for Massachusetts Fisheries 2025
The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Greater Atlantic Region, NMFS, has made a preliminary determination that an exempted fishing permit renewal application from the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (MA DMF) contains all of the required information and warrants further consideration. The exempted fishing permit (EFP) would allow federally permitted fishing vessels to fish outside fishery regulations in support of exempted fishing activities proposed by the applicant. Regulations under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and the Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management Act require publication of this notification to provide interested parties the opportunity to comment on applications for proposed EFPs.
Learn More🎣Snowy Grouper Closure for 2025 Recreational Fishing Season
NMFS implements an accountability measure (AM) for the recreational harvest of snowy grouper in South Atlantic Federal waters. NMFS reduces the length of the 2025 recreational fishing season to prevent landings from exceeding the recreational annual catch limit (ACL) as they did in 2024. Accordingly, NMFS announces the adjusted closure date in 2025 for the recreational harvest of snowy grouper in South Atlantic Federal waters to protect the snowy grouper resource.
Learn More🎣New England Fishery Management Council Public Meeting Announcement
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public webinar of its Joint Herring Committee and Advisory Panel to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Recommendations from this group will be brought to the full Council for formal consideration and action, if appropriate.
Learn More🎣2025 Pacific Halibut Fisheries Management Measures Regulations
The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA, on behalf of the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC), publishes as regulations the 2025 annual management measures governing the Pacific halibut fishery that have been recommended by the IPHC and accepted by the Secretary of State, with the concurrence of the Secretary of Commerce. These measures are intended to enhance the conservation of Pacific halibut and further the goals and objectives of the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) and the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC).
Learn More🐟Quota Transfer Announcement for Summer Flounder Fishery in 2025
NMFS announces that the State of North Carolina is transferring a portion of its 2025 commercial summer flounder quota to the Commonwealth of Virginia. This adjustment to the 2025 fishing year quota is necessary to comply with the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan (FMP) quota transfer provisions. This announcement informs the public of the revised 2025 commercial quotas for North Carolina and Virginia.
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